Post-Combine ‘09 NFL Mock Draft (Pt. 4)

Also see: Post-Combine '09 NFL Mock Draft (Pt. 1) | Pt. 2 | Pt. 3

I think I've written enough in the introductions so far to fill a small novel and I think we've all got a pretty firm handle on what's going on here. If you don't, then you might want to just follow the trail back to part one and I'm confident everything will then make sense.

I'd also like to thank all of the people who offered their feedback during this series — both the good feedback and the bad. Despite the fact that some of you might think I try and eat my toaster for breakfast, I assure you I'm a pretty sane and grounded individual. Although I do eat cake for breakfast sometimes...

The important thing is that you got involved and put the effort into the feedback process and as a writer, that's really all you can hope for. So thank you, thanks to Sports Central for hosting the series, and last, but certainly not least, thank you to the Academy.

Enjoy!

25. Miami Dolphins: Clay Matthews, OLB, Ohio State

The "other" USC outside linebacker, Matthews is the only other first-round capable OLB other than Larry English. English could certainly go here also, but you have to think that Bill Parcells would appreciate Matthews' smashmouth play style and choose him to mold into his defense.

26. Baltimore Ravens: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State

With each passing day that goes by in which Ray Lewis is still not a Raven, it seems more and more likely that it's never going to happen. Barring an unexpected turn of events, which quite honestly wouldn't be that unexpected at all in such a frenzied and frantic free agency period, the Ravens are going to need to fill in the incredibly large and gaping void at middle linebacker that now exists.

While it's easy to agree that Laurinaitis was the anchor of the Buckeye linebacker corps, it could even be argued that he was the anchor for the entire Ohio State defense during his time there. He's passionate, he's talented, and he's tough. You're going to have to be very tough to even try and fill Ray Lewis' shoes and Laurinaitis seems like a smart and logical choice. Can someone pinch me, though? I still can't begin to comprehend Lewis in another uniform next year...

27. Indianapolis Colts: Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State

2009 is going to be a bizarre year in terms of familiar NFL faces in all sorts of different places. One of these players that will be missing in action come September is Marvin Harrison and the Hall of Fame career and talent that come along with him. It's time for the Colts to find the next piece in their receiving arsenal and while some might argue that they won't do so with their first round pick, I just don't think so.

Players that could also be featured here: Kenny Britt and Deon Butler. Both wide receivers! It's kind of a stretch with Butler, though, so if it's not Robiskie, then it will likely be Britt.

28. Philadelphia Eagles: Sean Smith, S, Utah

Smith has rocketed up most people's draft boards thanks to his solid Combine performance and when you combine this with the recent departure of team anchor Brian Dawkins, you come upon a situation in which it would be very plausible for the Eagles to take a safety with their late first-rounder.

Should the team choose not to slightly reach for Smith at 28, then you can rest assured that they'll take a cornerback. Write it down!

29. New York Giants: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

I have nothing nice to say about the Giants, so I won't say anything at all (Patriots fan here). But I will say that you could pretty much swap this pick with the Colts at 27. Whoever the Colts don't take will likely become a New York Giant not long after.

30. Tennessee Titans: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss

No more Albert Haynesworth? No problem!

It just so happens that the Titans were gifted an early Christmas present in my little NFL mock draft universe. The primary road block on Jerry's trip to Nashville would be the Colts at pick 27, should they choose not to go the wide receiver route in the first round. As we know full well, a team's draft strategy can change with the slightest wind gust, so it would be best to prepare yourself for as many different scenarios as you can. Or for your hometown team at the very least.

31. Arizona Cardinals: Larry English, OLB, Northern Illinois

With Antonio Smith out the door to Houston, you'd think the Cardinals would be quick to get someone to replace him. Fortunately, the defensive end situation isn't quite as dire as the aging outside linebacker one. Because of this, the last top-tier offensive linebacker in this year's class just seems to be the right move in the grander scheme of things.

Should the Cardinals go the defensive end route, however, then Tyson Jackson would be the obvious choice as there are probably several people throwing furniture around their living room because he hasn't been taken yet. That's just how the cookie crumbles. Though my cookie is probably going to be incredibly off-the-mark and consistently incorrect, so don't get so upset!

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Mack, C, California

With Mack the unanimous premier center available in this year's draft, having him go to the Steelers with the last pick in the first round. It's common knowledge that the Steelers would do well to draft multiple offensive linemen to help plug in the holes they have at the position, but the fact that the best possible player will most likely be available to them in a position in which they also need help in is just a no-brainer.